How Churches Can Be “TOV,” Not Toxic

Guest Bios Show Transcript Toxic churches that wound and devour the sheep have become far too common. But how can churches resist toxic culture and truly become "TOV” or “good”? In this episode of The Roys Report, Julie interviews well-known New Testament scholar, Scot McKnight, and his daughter, Laura Barringer—co-authors of the new, best-selling book, A Church Called TOV. Drawing from their experience at Willow Creek Community Church under former pastor, Bill Hybels, Scot and Laura identify the key characteristics of a toxic church culture. Then, using Scripture, they create a blueprint for building a truly “TOV” culture—one that resists abuses of power and promotes healing. Scot McKnight Scot McKnight is a professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary in Lisle, Illinois. Scot has been a professor for nearly 40 years, is the author of many books, a preacher, and a blogger at Christianity Today. He is an ordained Anglican deacon and attends Church of the Redeemer in Highwood, Illinois. Scot has been married to his high school sweetheart, Kris, for 47 years and they enjoy long walks, gardening, and birdwatching. He is the father of two children and two grandchildren. Laura Barringer Laura Barringer is a teacher of first and second grade students. She is the co-author of Sharing God's Love: The Jesus Creed for Children and wrote a teacher lesson and activity guide to accompany the book. She is also co-author of A Church Called Tov: Forming a Goodness Culture That Resists Abuses of Power and Promotes Healing (October 2020). Laura is a graduate of Wheaton College (IL) and currently resides in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, Mark, and three beagles. Show Transcript SPEAKERS JULIE ROYS, Laura Barringer, Scott McKnight JULIE ROYS  00:04 Abuse in the church has become all too common from Sovereign Grace Churches to Willow Creek and Harvest Bible Chapel, the accounts of pastors preying on their sheep has almost ceased to be news. Something needs to change but what and how? Welcome to the Roys Report, a podcast dedicated to reporting the truth and restoring the church. I’m Julie Roys. And joining me today are Scott McKnight and Laura Barringer, authors of the new boo,k A Church Called Tov, and you may be asking, What is Tov? Well, Tov is the Hebrew word for good. And in a church called Tov, Scott and Laura explore what it means to have a church that is truly good, one that resists power, rather than using power to exploit and abuse. One that promotes healing, rather than inflicting wounds. This is a critically needed book today. So many Christians are hurting and scarred from their church experiences, and we need a way forward, we need to know how to create and preserve what Scott and Laura call a goodness culture in our churches. So I’m very much looking forward to talking with Scott and Laura. But first I’d like to just take a minute to thank my sponsors, Judson University and Marquardt of Barrington. Judson University is a top ranked Christian university providing a caring community and an excellent college experience. Judson has resumed in person classes for traditional, transfer and adult students. And you can choose from more than 60 majors and learn in a Christian community known for its spiritual values, leadership opportunities and strong financial aid. Judson is located on a beautiful 90 acre campus just 36 miles northwest of Chicago. Judson University is shaping lives that shape the world. For more information, just go to Judsonu.edu/visit. Also, if you’re in the market for a car I highly recommend my friends at Marquardt of  Barrington. Marquardt is a Buick GMC dealership where you can expect honesty, integrity and transparency. That’s because the owners there, Dan and Curt Marquardt, are men of character. And I’m proud to partner with them for this podcast. To check them out,just go to buyacar123.com. Well, again, joining me today are Scott McKnight and Laura Barringer. Scott is a professor